Though initially thought of in 1962, the idea for opening of Transport Museum took a concrete shape in
1970 under the advise of Mr.Michael Graham Satow a rail enthusiast. Shri V.V Giri, the then President
of India, laid the foundation stone for the Rail Transport Museum (R.T.M) at its present site in
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on October 7, 1971. The Rail Transport Museum was planned as a part of a
larger complex covering the history of Railways, Roadways, Airways and Water-ways in India, which later
on developed into a full-fledged National Rail Museum in the year 1995.

The first of its kind in the country, The National Rail Museum covers a land area of over 11 acres and the indoor gallery
comprises an elegantly designed octagonal building, housing six display galleries, and a large open
display area laid out to simulate the atmosphere of a railway yard.

The Museum collection is the largest collection of Railway real life size exhibits and other rail
components in the country. The Museum houses locomotives and coaches from the princely states
across the Indian Subcontinent. The Patiala State Mono Rail (PSMT) and the John Morris Fire Engine are
the rarest operational exhibits of its kind in the world.

PRESERVATION

The Museum houses documents, maps, drawings, books and other documentation belonging to the
more than 160 years of Indian Railway.

RESTORATION

Museum houses a large collection of Steam Locomotive made of Iron and Steel and also wooden
coaches collected across the country. The Museum undergoes the continuous activity of restoration of
these exhibits. Some of these activities are undertaken by workshops/units of the various Zones of
Indian Railways.

MODERNIZATION

Keeping in mind the changing mode of communication with the upcoming operation the Museum
undergoes upgradation regularly. The Museum houses maximum number of Rail Simulator anywhere
in the world. State-of-art, 3D virtual reality technology takes visitors back in time. The Indoor Gallery
uses digital and mobile technologies to make the visit interactive, educational and engaging. The
Museum has an array of mobile apps and websites that allows a train lover to interact with the exhibit
remotely. 3D Virtual tours and indoor positioning system to help the visitors to find their way and access
content selectively is on cards. The Museum intends to create a rail community allowing people to
comments as well as contributed ideas for improvement Museum.

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About NRM

NRM and other Rail Museums in India are operated by Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India.